Method and Apparatus for Reliably Transferring Signals Between Electronic Components

ABSTRACT

An electronic hinge system is provided, including a first component and a second component. The first component may include a first enclosure, a first substrate extending within the first enclosure, a first connector, and a plurality of curved elements disposed in the first connector. The first substrate may have electrically conductive elements and microelectronic devices electrically connected with the electrically conductive elements. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another. Each curved element may be electrically connected with a respective one of the electrically conductive elements of the first component. The second component may include a second enclosure and a second connector disposed at an end of the second enclosure. The first connector may be configured to mate with the second connector, such that when the first component is engaged with the second component, the first connector is rotationally coupled with the second connector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/140,679, filed Sep. 25, 2018, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Conventional electronic watches and activity modules do not transfersignals to or from a watch band. However, the electronic watch industryis moving towards advanced biosensing, which may necessitate thatadditional sensors, batteries, and/or cameras be placed in the watchband, which would require an electronic connection between the watchband and the electronic watch or activity module.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for electronic watch systems andelectronic hinge systems that can reliably transfer signals between afirst component (e.g., a watch band) and a second component (e.g., anelectronic watch) without using additional energy, through a rotationalcoupling between the first component and the second component.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an electronic hinge systemincluding a first component and a second component. The first componentmay include a first enclosure, a first substrate extending within thefirst enclosure, a first connector disposed at an end of the firstenclosure, and a plurality of curved elements disposed in the firstconnector. The first substrate may have electrically conductive elementsand one or more microelectronic devices electrically connected with theelectrically conductive elements. The first connector may have alongitudinal opening extending in a first direction through the firstconnector. The first connector may have a plurality of first openingsextending into the first connector in a second direction transverse tothe first direction and spaced apart from one another in the firstdirection. The curved elements may be electrically conductive and spacedapart from one another in the first direction. Each curved element mayhave an inner surface at least partially extending around thelongitudinal opening and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. Acurved portion of the outer surface of each curved element may beexposed at a respective one of the plurality of first openings. Eachcurved element may be electrically connected with at least a respectiveone of the electrically conductive elements of the first component. Thesecond component may include a second enclosure and a second connectordisposed at an end of the second enclosure. The first connector may beconfigured to mate with the second connector, such that when the firstcomponent is engaged with the second component, the first connector isrotationally coupled with the second connector.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an electronic watch systemincluding an electronic watch band, a receptacle rotationally coupledwith the electronic watch band, and an electronic watch. The electronicwatch band may include a first flexible enclosure having a firstflexible substrate extending within the first enclosure, and a firstconnector disposed at an end of the first enclosure and having aplurality of curved elements disposed in the first connector. The firstsubstrate may have electrically conductive elements and one or moremicroelectronic devices electrically connected with the electricallyconductive elements. The curved elements may be electrically conductiveand spaced apart from one another. Each curved element may beelectrically connected with at least a respective one of theelectrically conductive elements of the first substrate. The receptaclemay include a circular ledge and an intermediate connector disposedwithin the circular ledge and having a plurality of contacts disposedtherein. The contacts may be electrically conductive and spaced apartfrom one another in a circumferential direction. Each contact may have afirst end exposed at a bottom surface of the circular ledge and a secondend exposed at a top surface of the circular ledge opposite the bottomsurface. The first ends of the contacts may be engaged with andelectrically connected with the plurality of curved elements.

The electronic watch may include a second enclosure having a secondsubstrate extending within the second enclosure, and a second connectordisposed at a surface of the second enclosure and having a plurality ofpins disposed in the second connector. The second substrate may haveelectrically conductive elements and one or more microelectronic deviceselectrically connected with the electrically conductive elements. Thepins may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another inthe circumferential direction. Each pin may have a free end exposed at abottom surface of the second enclosure. Each pin may be electricallyconnected with at least a respective one of the electrically conductiveelements of the second substrate. The plurality of pins may beconfigured to mate with the plurality of contacts, such that when theelectronic watch is engaged with the receptacle, the free ends of thepins are engaged with and electrically connected with the second ends ofthe contacts.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides an electronic watch bandincluding a flexible enclosure, a flexible substrate extending withinthe flexible enclosure, a connector disposed at an end of the flexibleenclosure, and a plurality of curved elements disposed in the connector.The flexible substrate may have electrically conductive elements and oneor more microelectronic devices electrically connected with theelectrically conductive elements. The connector may have a longitudinalopening extending in a first direction through the connector. Theconnector may have a plurality of transverse openings extending into theconnector in a second direction transverse to the first direction andspaced apart from one another in the first direction. The curvedelements may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from oneanother in the first direction. Each curved element may have an innersurface extending at least partially around the longitudinal opening andan outer surface opposite the inner surface. A curved portion of theouter surface of each curved element may be exposed at a respective oneof the plurality of openings. Each curved element may be electricallyconnected with at least a respective one of the electrically conductiveelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic watch systemaccording to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the watch band of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an enlarged, partially-transparent perspective view of aconnector of the watch band of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a connector of the electronic watch ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is an enlarged, partially-transparent perspective view of thecoupling between the watch band and the electronic watch of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling between the watchband and the electronic watch of FIG. 1A, shown in a first position.

FIG. 1G is another side cross-sectional view of the coupling between thewatch band and the electronic watch of FIG. 1A, shown in a secondposition.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a variation of therings of FIG. 1F, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a variation of theconnectors of FIG. 1F, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2C-2E illustrate side cross-sectional views of variations of thecontact of FIG. 1F, according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2F is an enlarged, partially-transparent perspective view of thecontacts shown in FIGS. 1F, 2D, and 2E.

FIG. 3A illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a variation of theconnector of the watch band of FIG. 1B, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of a variation of the connectorof the electronic watch of FIG. 1D, according to an aspect of thedisclosure.

FIG. 3C is an enlarged perspective view of the connector of the watchband of FIG. 3A and the connector of the electronic watch of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3D is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling between the watchband of FIG. 3A and the electronic watch of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic watch systemaccording to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged, partially-transparent perspective view of thecoupling between the watch band, a receptacle, and the electronic watchof FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an enlarged, partially-transparent perspective view of thewatch band, the receptacle, and the electronic watch of FIG. 4A, withthe electronic watch shown spaced apart from the receptacle.

FIGS. 4D and 4E are enlarged perspective views of the connector of thereceptacle of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F is an enlarged perspective view of the connector of theelectronic watch of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4G is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling between the watchband, the receptacle, and the electronic watch of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4H is a diagrammatic view of the coupling between the contacts ofthe receptacle and the electronic watch of FIG. 4A, shown with only onepair of contacts rotationally aligned with one another.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an activity module systemaccording to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an analog watch systemaccording to an aspect of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a laptop hinge system accordingto an aspect of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The technology relates generally to an electronic hinge mechanismconfigured to reliably transfer signals between a watch and a band,between a keyboard and a screen, or between movable components of otherdevices. In particular, the mechanism provides a rotatable electricalconnection between a first component and a second component. Themechanism includes a plurality of rings in the first component that matewith a plurality of electrically conductive contacts in the secondcomponent. Electrical connections between the rings and contacts may bemaintained during rotation because ends of the contacts can slide alongrespective outer circumferential surfaces of the rings as the ringsrotate relative to the contacts.

In some implementations, the first component may be a watch band and thesecond component may be a smart watch. The first component may include aconnector having a row of electrically conductive rings spaced apartfrom one another. The rings extend around a single opening that isconfigured to receive a conventional pin that may be used to couple thewatch band to a connector of a smart watch. The second component mayinclude a connector having a row of electrically conductive contactsspaced apart from one another. The contacts are configured to mate withthe rings when the watch band is coupled to the smart watch. Theelectrical connections between the contacts and the rings are maintainedas the watch band rotates relative to the smart watch during typicalmovement by a user.

In the watch band and smart watch implementation described above, therow of electrically conductive contacts may include various types ofconnections between the row of rings and one or two printed circuitboards (PCBs). For example, a contact may extend between one of therings and only the first PCB, either by shortening an end of the contactor by not providing a conductive pad at the location at which the end ofthe contact touches the second PCB. In another example, a contact mayextend between the first PCB and the second PCB, but it may be shortenedso that it does not extend to any of the rings. In a particularimplementation, a row of identical contacts may be used, or one or moreof the contact variations described above may be combined in a singlesmart watch connector. In this regard, the PCBs may programmaticallyselect one or more contacts for any given communication.

The watch band may be coupled to various types of watches. In oneexample, the smart watch band may be coupled to a conventional analogwatch while enabling smart watch features. For example, the smart bandmay not be electrically connected with the analog watch, but the bandcan communicate with a smart phone, which serves as a display andinterface for smart features. In another example, the smart watch bandmay be coupled to a smart watch, which permits various components and/orfunctions to be distributed between the band and the watch, such asauxiliary power, camera, or activity-specific functions. The smart watchband may also be coupled to a smart module that does not have a displayscreen. In such an implementation, the band can separate and/or sharefunctions with the smart module, but a smart phone may be used as thedisplay and interface. In one implementation, the ring-contactrotational coupling described above may be integrated into one or morehinges to permit signals to be sent from a laptop keyboard to a laptopscreen.

In some examples, such as another smart watch implementation, thering-contact coupling may be included in a non-rotational couplingbetween the first component and the second component. In such animplementation, interlocking features may be included that preventrelative rotation between the first and second components while bettersealing the electrical connections therebetween. For example, the smartband may have a connector that includes tabs that are configured toengage with recesses in a smart watch, the tabs and recesses both havingrectangular cross-sections to prevent relative rotation. The smart bandand the smart watch may each have a continuous lip extending around theexposed portions of the rings and contacts, the lip of the smart bandbeing engageable into the lip of the smart watch. A gasket may extendaround the inside of the lip of the smart watch, such that a water-tightseal is created when the lip of the smart band engages with the lip ofthe smart watch.

In one implementation, the ring-contact coupling may be included in asmart watch having a receptacle mount, such as a bayonet mount forexample. In such an implementation, the connector of the smart band mayinclude a row of electrically conductive rings as described above. Thecontacts described above may be included in a circular receptacle thatis rotationally coupled with the watch band, using a spring-loaded watchband pin extending through the row of rings, for example. A smart watchhaving a row of electrically conductive pins may be rotationally engagedinto the circular receptacle, such that when the smart watch is fullyengaged into the receptacle, the pins are rotated into contact with thecontacts of the receptacle. The pins and the contacts may be unevenlyspaced apart from one another, such that during rotation of the smartwatch into engagement with the circular receptacle, there is only asingle electrical connection between the pins and the contacts at anytime before the smart watch is fully engaged into the receptacle.

The electronic hinge mechanism described above may have various benefitsand advantages. The mechanism requires no energy to effect communicationbetween components of an electronic device, such as a watch. Moreover,the mechanism is low cost, easily detachable and connectable,insensitive to dirt, and provides for a wide range of movement betweenthe components of the electronic device. Even further, the mechanismenables PCBs to be capable of programmatically switching betweendifferent connectors. The same rotatable ring-contact portion of themechanism is able to be incorporated into various designs of smartwatches, smart wearable modules, analog watches, and laptop hinges.

Example Systems

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F, an example electronic watch system 10 includesan electronic watch band 12 engaged with an electronic watch 14, such asa smart watch.

The Electronic Watch Band

The electronic watch band 12 includes an enclosure 20 that is configuredto fit around a wrist of a user. The enclosure 20 may be made of aflexible material, such as an elastomer. The watch band 12 also includesa substrate 22 extending within the enclosure 20. The substrate 22 maybe flexible, such that it is configured to bend around the wrist of auser when the enclosure 20 is bent around the wrist of the user. Thesubstrate 22 may have electrically conductive elements and one or moremicroelectronic devices electrically connected with the electricallyconductive elements, such as one or more of sensors, batteries, orcameras. The watch band 12 may have one or more substrates 22 therein,each of which may include one or more microelectronic devices.

The watch band 12 may include a connector 24 disposed at each end of theenclosure 20. Each connector 24 may be made of a rigid material such aspolyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each connector 24 may be attached toan end of the enclosure 20 and may have a portion defining a rounded orsemi-circular cross-section. Each connector 24 may have a longitudinalopening 26 extending in a first direction D1 through the connector. Therounded portion of the outer surface of each connector 24 may extend ina circumferential direction C1 partially about the longitudinal opening26. Each connector 24 may have a plurality of transverse openings 28extending into the rounded portion of the connector in a seconddirection D2 transverse to the first direction D1 and spaced apart fromone another in the first direction.

Each connector 24 includes a plurality of rings 30 disposed in theconnector. As shown in the figures, there are five rings 30, but inother examples, there may be more or less than five rings. The rings 30may be electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another in thefirst direction D1. As shown in the figures, the rings 30 are spacedapart from one another in the first direction D1 by equal distances, butin other examples, the distance between adjacent rings may vary within asingle connector 24. In other examples, the number, size, and relativeposition of the rings 30 may be varied. The rings 30 may each be agold-plated metal or another electrically conductive material. As can beseen in FIG. 1F, each ring 30 may have a lumen 32 defining an innersurface 34 extending around the longitudinal opening 26 and an outersurface 36 opposite the inner surface. A curved portion 33 of the outersurface 36 of each ring 30 is exposed at a respective one of theplurality of transverse openings 28.

Each ring 30 may be electrically connected with at least one of theelectrically conductive elements of the substrate 22 through one or moreelectrically conductive wires 38. The wires 38 may extend from the rings30 to the substrate 22 through openings 29 that extend between theconnector 24 and the enclosure 20. Each connector may include one ormore spacers 39 extending around the longitudinal opening 26 andextending through the lumens 32 of the rings 30. In some examples, thespacer 39 may also extend between adjacent ones of the rings 30. As canbe seen in FIG. 1E, the spacer 39 may have a cylindrical shape. Thespacer 39 may be configured to electrically insulate the rings 30 fromone another and from the longitudinal opening 26.

The Electronic Watch

As shown in FIG. 1D, the electronic watch 14 includes an enclosure 40.The electronic watch 14 may include one or more substrates extendingwithin the enclosure 40. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1F, thesubstrates may be in the form of two parallel substrates, including anupper printed circuit board (“PCB”) 41 and a lower PCB 42 each extendingwithin the enclosure 40. One or both of the upper PCB 41 and the lowerPCB 42 may have electrically conductive elements and one or moremicroelectronic devices electrically connected with the electricallyconductive elements, such as a microprocessor and memory. It should beunderstood that a different number of substrates may be used and therelative positions and sizes of the substrates may be varied.

As can be seen in FIG. 1D, the electronic watch 14 may include aconnector 44 disposed at each end of the enclosure 40. Each connector 44may have, for example, one or more protuberances 45 extending from theenclosure 40 in the second direction D2. In the example shown, eachconnector 44 has two protuberances 45, although in other examples, thenumber, size, and position of the protuberances can be varied. Eachprotuberance 45 may have a recess 46 extending into the protuberance inthe first direction D1. The recesses 46 may be spaced apart from oneanother in the first direction D1. The connector 44 may have a pluralityof transverse openings 48 extending into the connector in the seconddirection D2 and spaced apart from one another in the first directionD1. The transverse openings 48 may extend directly into the enclosure40.

Each connector 44 includes a plurality of contacts 50 disposed in theconnector. As shown in the figures, there are five contacts 50, equal innumber to the rings 30, but in other examples, there may be more or lessthan five contacts. The contacts 50 may be electrically conductive andspaced apart from one another in the first direction D1. As shown in thefigures, the contacts 50 are spaced apart from one another in the firstdirection D1 by equal distances, but in other examples, the distancebetween adjacent contacts may vary within a single connector 44. Inother examples, the number, size, shape, and relative position of thecontacts 50 may be varied. Each contact 50 may be a stamped spring metalelement having a shape memory, such that the contact is biased to returnto its initial shape when a first portion of the contact is bentrelative to a second portion of the contact. In other examples, thecontacts 50 need not have a shape memory, and the force that maintainsthe contact between the contacts and the rings 30 may be provided by theenclosure 40 or another component. The contacts 50 may each be agold-plated metal or another electrically conductive material.

Each contact 50 may have a middle portion 52 that is supported by theenclosure 40, a free end 54 that is cantilevered with respect to themiddle portion, and a second end 56 that contacts both the first PCB 41and the second PCB 42. The middle portion 52 of each contact 50 mayextend through an insulating grommet 57 disposed within the respectivetransverse opening 48. Each insulting grommet 57 may be configured toelectrically insulate the contacts from one another and from theenclosure 40. In some examples, such as an example in which the materialof the enclosure 40 can electrically insulate the contacts 50 from oneanother, the insulating grommets 57 may be omitted. The free end 54 ofeach of the contacts 50 is exposed at a respective one of the pluralityof transverse openings 48.

An insulating pad 55 may be provided on a surface of the enclosure 40that is exposed within each transverse opening 48. Each insulating pad55 may be configured to electrically insulate the free end 54 of each ofthe contacts 50 from the enclosure 40 in a circumstance in which thefree end is moved into contact with the enclosure. In some examples,such as an example in which the material of the surface of the enclosure40 that is exposed within each transverse opening 48 is a dielectricmaterial, additional electrical insulation may not be needed, so theinsulating pads 55 may be omitted.

At least some of the contacts 50 provide an electrical connectionbetween the electrically conductive elements of the first PCB 41 and theelectrically conductive elements of the second PCB 42. As can be seen inFIG. 1F, the second end 56 of each of the contacts 50 may have a firstlocation 58 that contacts an electrically conductive element of thefirst PCB 41 and a second location 59 that contacts an electricallyconductive element of the second PCB 42.

Rotational Coupling Between the Electronic Watch Band and the ElectronicWatch

As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the electronic watch band 12 may be engagedwith the electronic watch 14. To accomplish this engagement, eachconnector 24 is configured to mate with a corresponding connector 44,such that when the watch band 12 is engaged with the electronic watch14, each connector of the watch band is rotationally coupled with acorresponding connector of the electronic watch.

The rotational coupling of each connector 24 and the correspondingconnector 44 may be provided by a cylindrical pin such as the pin 60shown in FIG. 3C. The cylindrical pin may extend in the first directionD1 into the recess 46 of each of the protuberances 45 of a connector 44and completely through the longitudinal opening 26 of the correspondingconnector 24. Each connector 24 may rotate about the cylindrical pinrelative to the enclosure 40. When the cylindrical pin rotationallycouples each connector 24 with a corresponding connector 44, each ring30 will touch a corresponding free end 54 of one of the contacts 50,such that when the electronic watch band 12 is engaged with theelectronic watch 14, the rings are electrically connected with thecontacts. To this end, the spacing between adjacent ones of the rings 30should match the spacing between adjacent ones of the contacts 50,whether the spacing between adjacent rings is equal or varying.

Physical and electrical contact between the rings 30 and the contacts 50may be maintained because of the bias of the shape memory of thecontacts. The free end 54 of each of the contacts 50 extends completelythrough the respective transverse opening 48 and slightly beyond asurface of the enclosure 40, such that when the electronic watch band 12is engaged with the electronic watch 14, the free ends of the contactsextend into the transverse openings 28 of the connector 24, and there isinterference between the free ends of the contacts and the rings 30.

The free end 54 of each of the contacts 50 is configured to deflecttowards the enclosure 40 upon contact with a respective one of the rings30 when the electronic watch band 12 is engaged with the electronicwatch 14. When each ring 30 contacts a free end 54 of a contact 50, thecantilevered free end moves relative to the middle portion 52 that issupported by the enclosure 40. Since each free end 54 is biased toreturn to its initial shape when it is bent relative to the middleportion, the shape memory of the contact 50 provides a force against thecorresponding ring 30 that maintains contact between the contact and thering. While the contacts 50 and their free ends 54 are illustrated ashaving an example shape, it should be understood that other shapes arepossible. For example, the free ends 54 may be straight, angled, curved,looped, etc.

This physical and electrical contact between the rings 30 and thecontacts 50 is maintained as each connector 24 rotates relative to thecorresponding connector 44, because the free end 54 may slide along theouter surface 36 of the corresponding ring 30 as the connectors rotaterelative to one another. For example, the physical and electricalcontact between the rings 30 and the contacts 50 is maintained as theelectronic watch band 12 moves relative to the electronic watch 14 froma first position shown in FIG. 1F to a second position shown in FIG. 1G.In the first position of FIG. 1F, the substrate 22 is extending downwardfrom the rings 30, and the free ends 54 of the contacts 50 are locatednear bottom ends of the corresponding transverse openings 28. In thesecond position of FIG. 1G, the substrate 22 extends horizontally fromthe rings 30, and the free ends of the contacts 50 are located near topend of the corresponding transverse openings 28. Between the first andsecond positions, the free ends 54 of the contacts 50 slide along theouter surfaces 36 of the rings 30 in an upward direction within thecorresponding transverse openings 28.

Variations of the Rings of the Watch Band

FIG. 2A illustrates a variation of the rings 30 of the electronic watchband 12, according to aspects of the disclosure. The rings 30 are shownas having a ring-shaped cross-section throughout the disclosure, butthat need not be the case. In the example of FIG. 2A, the electronicwatch band 12 a has curved elements 31 that replace the rings 30. Thecurved elements 31 may each be a gold-plated metal or anotherelectrically conductive material. The curved elements 31 each have acurved portion 33 of its outer surface 36 a that is exposed at arespective one of the plurality of transverse openings 28 in the watchband. The curved elements 31 may each have a non-exposed portion 35 thatmay have any shape, such as a portion of a rectangle, as shown in theexample of FIG. 2A, or another curved portion similar to the rings 30 ofFIGS. 1A-1G. Each of the curved elements 31 in a single connector mayhave the same cross-sectional shape or a different cross-sectionalshape, and the curved elements in one connector of the electronic watchband 12 a may have different combinations of shapes from anotherconnector of the electronic watch band.

Regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the curved elements 31, thecurved elements may extend at least partially around the longitudinalopening 26 so that a pin such as the pin 60 of FIG. 3C may extendthrough the longitudinal opening to rotationally couple the connector 24a of the electronic watch band 12 a with the connector 44 a of theelectronic watch 14 a. Variations of the cross-sectional shape of therings such as the curved elements 31 may be applied to any of the ringexamples described herein.

Variations of the Connectors

FIG. 2B illustrates a variation of the connectors 24 and 44 of FIGS.1A-1G, according to aspects of the disclosure. This example is similarto the example shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, except that the ring or curvedconnector is located in the watch while the spring connector is locatedin the band. In this example, the electronic watch band 12 b has aconnector 44 b that is similar to the connector 44 of the electronicwatch 14 of FIGS. 1A-1G, and the electronic watch 14 b has a connector24 b that is similar to the connector 24 of the electronic watch band 12of FIGS. 1A-1G. The connector 44 b in the band has protuberances 45 bspaced apart in the first direction D1, and the connector 24 b in thewatch includes rings 30 b exposed through a plurality of transverseopenings 28 at a rounded portion of the connector spaced apart from oneanother in the first direction. The connector 24 b has rings 30 b havingrounded portions 33 exposed at respective ones of the transverseopenings 28. The rings 30 b may be electrically connected with one ormore PCBs of the electronic watch 14 b via one or more electricallyconductive wires 38 b.

The connector 44 b has contacts 51 having free ends 54 that arecantilevered with respect to the middle portion 52, and second ends 56that may be electrically connected with a substrate of the watch band 12b. The contacts 51 may be electrically connected with one or moresubstrates within the watch band 12 b, and may have variouscross-sectional shapes, such as the shape of the contact 50 of FIGS.1A-1G, the shape of the contacts 50 a, 50 b, or 50 c that will bedescribed below in FIGS. 2C-2F, or any of a variety of other shapes,such as loops, curves, etc. By way of example only, the free ends 54 ofthe contacts may be angled, curved, looped, straight, or take any othershape adapted to engage with the ring 30 b through the transverseopening 28. Each of the contacts 51 in a single connector 44 b may havethe same cross-sectional shape or a different cross-sectional shape, andthe contacts in one connector of the electronic watch band 12 b may havedifferent combinations of shapes from another connector of theelectronic watch band.

Variations of the rings or the contacts being located in the electronicwatch band or the electronic watch may be applied to any of the examplesdescribed herein. In some examples, a single electronic watch band mayhave a connector 24 at one end and a connector 44 b at the other end,and a single corresponding electronic watch may have a connector 44 atone end and a connector 24 b at the other end.

Variations of the Electronic Watch Contacts

FIGS. 2C-2E illustrate variations of the contacts 50 of the electronicwatch 14, according to aspects of the disclosure. FIG. 2C shows acontact 50 a that is shaped similarly to the contact 50 of FIG. 1F, butit is only electrically connected with the first PCB 41 and not with thesecond PCB 42. The contact 50 a touches an electrically conductive pad62 of the first PCB 41, but at the location where the contact touchesthe second PCB 42, the second PCB has an electrically insulatingfeature, such as a portion of a dielectric substrate of the second PCB.Therefore, although the contact 50 a physically contacts the second PCB42, the contact is electrically insulated from the electricallyconductive elements of the second PCB.

FIG. 2D shows a contact 50 b that is also shaped similarly to thecontact 50, but it has a shorter second end 56 b. The second end 56 b ofthe contact 50 b is long enough to physically and electrically contactthe first PCB 41, but it is not long enough to contact the second PCB42. Therefore, when the electronic watch band 12 is engaged with theelectronic watch 14, and the rings 30 are engaged with correspondingcontacts, the contact 50 b only provides an electrical connectionbetween a corresponding ring and the first PCB 41.

FIG. 2E shows a contact 50 c that is shaped similarly to the contact 50,but it has a shorter free end 54 c. The second end 56 c of the contact50 c is long enough to physically and electrically contact the first PCB41 with the second PCB 42, but the contact is not long enough to touchthe corresponding ring 30. Therefore, when the electronic watch band 12is engaged with the electronic watch 14, the contact 50 c provides anelectrical connection between the first PCB 41 and the second PCB 42,but the contact is spaced apart from the corresponding ring 30, so thecontact does not provide an electrical connection between thecorresponding ring and the first PCB or second PCB.

FIG. 2F shows an example of the contacts 50, 50 b, and 50 c combined ina single connector 44 d. When the connector 24 of the electronic watchband is engaged with the connector 44 d of the electronic watch, thecontact 50 is long enough to provide an electrical connection betweenthe corresponding ring 30 and both the first PCB 41 (transparent in FIG.2F) and the second PCB 42. The contact 50 b does not reach the secondPCB 42, so the contact only provides an electrical connection betweenthe corresponding ring 30 and the first PCB 41. The contact 50 c doesnot reach the corresponding ring 30, so the contact only provides anelectrical connection between the first PCB 41 and the second PCB 42.

Non-Rotating Connector Variation

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an example electronic watch system 110 that is avariation of the electronic watch system 10 of FIGS. 1A-1F, according toan aspect of the disclosure. The electronic watch system 110 may beidentical to the electronic watch system 10, except for the featuresdescribed below. As can be seen in FIG. 3D, the electronic watch system110 includes an electronic watch band 112 engaged with an electronicwatch 114.

The watch band 112 includes a connector 124 disposed at each end of anenclosure 120, and the electronic watch 114 includes a connector 144disposed at each end of an enclosure 140. The connector 124 and theconnector 144 are identical to the connectors 24 and 44 described above,but with the addition of interlocking features that are configured tomate with one another when the watch band 112 is engaged with theelectronic watch 114, the interlocking features being configured toprevent rotation of the connectors relative to one another.

The interlocking features include two tabs 164 extending from lateralsurfaces 166 of the connector 124 in the first direction D1, and tworecesses 168 extending into respective protuberances 145 of theconnector 144 in both the first and second directions D1 and D2. Thetabs 164 and the recesses 168 each have a rectangular cross-section, andthe height of the tabs in a third direction D3 perpendicular to each ofthe first and second directions D1 and D2 is approximately equal to orslightly less than the height of the recesses in the third direction,such that the tabs 164 are configured to engage with the recesses 168.The rectangular cross-sections of the tabs 164 and the recesses 168 areconfigured to rotationally fix the connectors 124 and 144 to one anotherwhen the tabs are engaged in the recesses.

The interlocking features also include a lip 170 extending from theconnector 124 in the second direction D2 and extending around aplurality of transverse openings 128, a lip 172 extending from theconnector 144 in the second direction and extending around a pluralityof transverse openings 148, and a gasket 174 extending around an innersurface of the lip 172. The contour of the outer surface of the lip 170is approximately equal to the contour of the inner surface of the gasket174, such that when the watch band 112 is engaged with the electronicwatch 114, the lip 170 is inserted into the lip 172, and the gasket isconfigured to provide a water-tight seal between the lips 170 and 172.As can be seen in FIG. 3D, the gasket 174 is thereby also configured toprovide a water-tight seal around the interface between rings 130 andcontacts 150 when the watch band 112 is engaged with the electronicwatch 114.

The interlocking features described above may be varied from theparticular example shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. For example, tabs may beprovided on the protuberances 145 of the connector 144, andcomplimentary recesses may be provided extending into the connector 124.Also, the gasket 174 may be provided extending around an outer surfaceof the lip 170. In another variation, the contours of the lips 170 and172 may be reversed and the gasket 174 may be provided extending aroundan inner surface of the lip 170, such that the contour of the outersurface of the lip 172 is approximately equal to the contour of theinner surface of the gasket 174, and the lip 172 is inserted into thelip 170 when the watch band 112 is engaged with the electronic watch114.

Receptacle Mounting Variation

FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate an example electronic watch system 210 that is avariation of the electronic watch system 10 of FIGS. 1A-1F, according toan aspect of the disclosure. As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4C, theelectronic watch system 210 includes an electronic watch band 212engaged with an electronic watch 214 through a receptacle 216 that isconfigured to couple the watch band with the electronic watch. Thereceptacle mount may include, for example, a bayonet mount or other typeof mount.

The Watch Band

The electronic watch band 212 includes an enclosure 220 and a substrate222 that are similar to the enclosure 20 and substrate 22 describedabove. The watch band 212 has a connector 224 disposed at each end ofthe enclosure 220 that is similar to the connector 24 described above,except that as can be seen in FIG. 4G, the transverse openings 228 areat an off-center circumferential position along the rounded portion ofthe connector 224 compared to the transverse openings 28, to accommodatethe off-center location of the contacts 250 relative to theprotuberances 245. Each connector 224 includes a plurality of rings 230(FIG. 4G) disposed in the connector that are similar to the rings 30described above. A curved portion 233 of the outer surface 236 of eachring 230 is exposed at a respective one of the plurality of transverseopenings 228.

The Receptacle

The receptacle 216 may be rotationally coupled to the watch band 212 bya pin such as the pin 60 of FIG. 3C, in a manner similar to thatdescribed above with respect to the coupling between the electronicwatch 214 and the watch band 212. As can be seen in FIG. 4C, thereceptacle 216 includes an enclosure in the form of a circular ledge240. The circular ledge 240 may have a bottom surface 241 and a topsurface 242 opposite the bottom surface.

The receptacle 216 may include an intermediate connector 244 disposedwithin the circular ledge 240 at each side of the circular ledge. Eachintermediate connector 244 may have, for example, one or moreprotuberances 245 extending from the enclosure circular ledge 240 in thesecond direction D2. In the example shown, each intermediate connector244 has two protuberances 245, although in other examples, the number,size, and position of the protuberances can be varied. Each protuberance245 may have a recess 246 extending into the protuberance in the firstdirection D1. The recesses 246 may be spaced apart from one another inthe first direction D1. The intermediate connector 244 may have aplurality of transverse openings 248 (FIGS. 4D and 4E) extending intothe intermediate connector in the second direction D2 and spaced apartfrom one another in the first direction D1. The transverse openings 48may extend directly into the circular ledge 240.

Each intermediate connector 244 includes a plurality of contacts 250disposed in the intermediate connector. As shown in the figures, thereare five contacts 250, equal in number to the rings 230, but in otherexamples, there may be more or less than five rings. The contacts 250may be electrically conductive, for example, a gold-plated metal oranother electrically conductive material. Each contact 250 may have amiddle portion 252 that is supported by the intermediate connector 244,a first end 254 that is exposed at the bottom surface 241 of thecircular ledge, and a second end 256 that is exposed at the top surface242 of the circular ledge. The first end 254 of each contact 250 may becantilevered with respect to the middle portion 252, and the second end256 of each contact may have a concave shape and may also becantilevered with respect to the middle portion. Each contact 250 may bea stamped spring metal element having a shape memory, such that thecontact is biased to return to its initial shape when the first end 254or the second end 256 of the contact is bent relative to the middleportion 252 of the contact. In other examples, the contacts 250 need nothave a shape memory, and the force that maintains the contact betweenthe contacts and the rings 230 and/or the pins 290 may be provided bythe circular ledge 240 or another component. In other examples, thenumber, size, shape, and relative position of the contacts 250 may bevaried.

The first end 254 of each of the contacts 250 is exposed at the bottomsurface 241 of the circular ledge 240 at a respective one of theplurality of transverse openings 248, and the second end 256 of each ofthe contacts is exposed at the top surface 242 of the circular ledge.Each contact 250 may be fixed to and may extend through an insulatinginsert 257 that is received within a corresponding recess 258 extendinginto the receptacle 216. The transverse openings 248 may at leastpartially be defined by the insulating insert 257. The insulating insert257 may be configured to electrically insulate the contacts 250 from oneanother and from the circular ledge 240. The insulating insert 257 maysupport the middle portion 252 of each of the contacts 250, and thefirst end 254 and the second end 256 of each of the contacts may becantilevered with respect to the insulating insert. In some examples,such as an example in which the material of the circular ledge 240 canelectrically insulate the contacts 250 from one another, the insulatinginserts 257 may be omitted.

The contacts 250 may be spaced apart from one another. The first ends254 of the contacts 250 may be spaced apart from one another in thefirst direction D1, as shown in FIG. 4E, while the second ends 256 ofthe contacts may be spaced apart from one another in a secondcircumferential direction C2, as shown in FIG. 4B. The exact shape andlength of particular ones of the second ends 256 of the contacts 250 maybe varied from one another in order to ensure that they are spaced apartalong the second circumferential direction C2.

The Electronic Watch

The electronic watch 214 includes an enclosure 280. The electronic watch214 may include one or more substrates extending within the enclosure280. As can be seen in FIG. 4G, the substrates may include a PCB 281extending within the enclosure 280. It should be understood that adifferent number of substrates may be used and the positions and sizesof the substrates may be varied. As shown in FIG. 4C, a bottom surface282 of the enclosure 280 may have a circular contour that is configuredto mate with the contour of the upper surface 242 of the circular ledge240.

The electronic watch 214 may include a connector 284 disposed at eachend of the bottom surface 282 of the enclosure 280. Each connector 284includes a plurality of pins 290 disposed in the connector. The pins 290may each be electrically conductive, for example, a gold-plated metal oranother electrically conductive material. Each pin 290 may have a freeend 292 exposed at a bottom surface of the second enclosure. Each of thefree ends 292 of the pins 290 may have an azimuthally-elongated shapeand may protrude below the bottom surface 282 of the enclosure 280. Asshown in the figures, there are five pins 290, equal in number to thecontacts 250 and the rings 230, but in other examples, there may be moreor less than five pins. The pins 290 may be electrically connected withelectrically conductive elements of the PCB 281, which may beelectrically connected with one or more microelectronic devices disposedwithin the electronic watch 214, such as a microprocessor and memory.

The pins 290 may be spaced apart from one another in the secondcircumferential direction C2. As shown FIG. 4F, the pins 290 may bespaced apart from one another in the second circumferential direction C2by equal distances, but in other examples, such as the diagrammaticexample shown in FIG. 4H, the circumferential distance between adjacentpins 290 may vary within a single connector 284. The spacing of the pins290 in the second circumferential direction C2 should be the same as thespacing of the second ends 256 of the contacts 250 in the secondcircumferential direction, since the pins 290 and the second ends of thecontacts are configured to mate with one another when the electronicwatch 214 is engaged into the receptacle 216. As can be seen in FIG. 4G,each pin 290 may be fixed to and may extend through an insulating insert294 that is received within a corresponding recess 296 extending intothe enclosure 280. The insulting insert 294 may be configured toelectrically insulate the pins 290 from one another and from theenclosure 280.

Rotational Couplings

As can be seen in FIG. 4G, the electronic watch band 212 may be engagedwith the electronic watch 214 through the receptacle 216, which providesan intermediate physical and electrical connection between the watchband and the electronic watch.

Coupling Between Band and Receptacle

The engagement between the electronic watch band 212 and the receptacle216 is similar to the engagement between the electronic watch band 12and the electronic watch 14 that is described above. To accomplish thisengagement, each connector 224 is configured to mate with acorresponding intermediate connector 244, such that when the watch band212 is engaged with the receptacle 216, each connector of the watch bandis rotationally coupled with a corresponding intermediate connector ofthe receptacle. The rotational coupling of each connector 224 and thecorresponding intermediate connector 244 may be provided by acylindrical pin such as the pin 60 shown in FIG. 3C.

When the cylindrical pin rotationally couples each connector 224 with acorresponding intermediate connector 244, each ring 230 will touch acorresponding first end 254 of one of the contacts 250, such that whenthe electronic watch band 212 is engaged with receptacle 216, the ringsare electrically connected with the contacts. To this end, the spacingbetween adjacent ones of the rings 230 should match the spacing betweenadjacent ones of the contacts 250, whether the spacing between adjacentrings is equal or varying.

Physical and electrical contact between one or more of the rings 230 andthe contacts 250 may be maintained because of the bias of the shapememory of the contacts. The first end 254 of one or more of the contacts250 extends completely through the respective transverse opening 248 andslightly beyond the bottom surface 241 of the circular ledge 240, suchthat when the electronic watch band 212 is engaged with the receptacle216, the first ends of the contacts extend into the transverse openings228 of the connector 224, and there is interference between the firstends of the contacts and the rings 230. When each ring 230 contacts afirst end 254 of a contact 250, the cantilevered first end movesrelative to the middle portion 252 that is supported by the circularledge 240. Since each first end 254 is biased to return to its initialshape when it is bent relative to the middle portion 252, the shapememory of the contact 250 provides a force against the correspondingring 230 that maintains physical and electrical contact between thecontact and the ring.

Coupling Between Watch and Receptacle

The engagement between the electronic watch 214 and the receptacle 216is accomplished by translating the electronic watch into the receptacleuntil the bottom surface 282 of the enclosure 280 engages into thecircular ledge 240 in a first engaged position, in which the pins 290are spaced apart from the contacts 250 in the second circumferentialdirection C2, and then rotating the electronic watch relative to thereceptacle until the electronic watch and the receptacle are in a secondengaged position, in which until all of the pins are aligned withrespective ones of the contacts in the second circumferential direction.

Once the electronic watch 214 and the receptacle 216 are in the secondengaged position, the pins 290 will be physically engaged andelectrically connected with the contacts 250, and engagement between atab 286 extending from the bottom surface 282 of the enclosure 280 and atab 249 extending from the bottom surface 241 of the circular ledge 240will prevent separation of the electronic watch from the receptacle dueto translation of the watch. To this end, the spacing between adjacentones of the pins 290 should match the spacing between adjacent ones ofthe contacts 250, whether the spacing between adjacent pins is equal orvarying, as will be described in more detail below.

The structure of the free ends 292 of the pins 290 and the second ends256 of the contacts 250 are configured to prevent separation of theelectronic watch 214 from the receptacle 216 due to rotation of theelectronic watch, unless a sufficient rotational force is provided.Physical and electrical contact between the pins 290 and the contacts250 may be maintained because of the bias of the shape memory of thecontacts and the complimentary shapes of the pins and the contacts.Before engagement between the electronic watch 214 and the receptacle216, the second end 256 of each of the contacts 250 extends slightlyabove the top surface 242 of the circular ledge 240. When the electronicwatch 214 is engaged with the receptacle 216, the azimuthally-elongatedfree end 292 of each of the pins 290 extends into a concave portion ofthe second ends 256 of the contacts 250, and there is interferencebetween the second ends of the contacts and the pins.

When each pin 290 contacts a second end 256 of a contact 250, thecantilevered second end moves relative to the middle portion 252 that issupported by the circular ledge 240, such that the second end deflectsinto the intermediate connector 244. Since each second end 256 is biasedto return to its initial shape when it is bent relative to the middleportion 252, the shape memory of the contact 250 provides a forceagainst the corresponding pin 290 that maintains physical and electricalcontact between the contact and the pin. This force between the pins 290and the contacts 250 is configured to prevent separation of theelectronic watch 214 from the receptacle 216 due to rotation of theelectronic watch, unless a rotational force is provided that issufficient to overcome the force and interference between the pins andthe contacts.

Contact and Pin Locations of Watch and Receptacle

While the electronic watch 214 is being rotated relative to thereceptacle 216 from the first engaged position towards the secondengaged position, in order to prevent a short circuit from occurring, itis desirable that there be only a single physical and electricalconnection between any of the pins 290 and any of the contacts 250during any single moment in time before the second engaged position isreached. This can be accomplished by unevenly spacing the second ends256 of the contacts 250 apart from one another and applying the sameuneven spacing to the pins 290 in the second circumferential directionC2, according to a specific set of rules. One example of such a spacingis shown in FIG. 4H, where at the intermediate position shown (betweenthe first engaged position and the second engaged position), the onlyphysical and electrical connection between any of the pins 290 and anyof the contacts 250 is between the third pin 290 c and the secondcontact 250 b.

The specific set of rules that can accomplish the desired uneven spacingdescribed above can be expressed by relationships between first, second,third, fourth, and fifth contacts 250 a, 250 b, 250 c, 250 d, and 250 e,and the angular distances between adjacent ones of the contacts, whichare A, B, C, and D. If A is not equal to B+C, and B is not equal to C+D,and D is not equal to B+C, then it can be mathematically guaranteed thatthere will be only a single physical and electrical connection betweenany of the pins 290 and any of the contacts 250 during any single momentin time before the second engaged position is reached. In the particularexample shown in FIG. 4H, A=25°, B=10°, C=20°, and D=40°, so the aboveequations are satisfied, and the desirable short-circuit-preventingcondition will be achieved.

Other Variations

Although the above example systems all include rotational couplingsinvolving an electronic watch and an electronic watch band, theabove-described rotatable electrical ring-contact coupling may beimplemented in a variety of rotational coupling examples.

For example, FIG. 5 shows an example electronic activity module system300, where the electronic watch band 12 may be coupled to an electronicactivity module 314, which does not have an integrated display screen.The electronic activity module 314 can be a smart medical module such asan EKG module. The electronic watch band 12 can provide the electronicactivity module 314 with extra battery capacity and/or wirelesscommunication between the watch band and a smartphone. In such anactivity module system 300, the smartphone can serve as the display andinterface for a user to communicate with the electronic activity module314.

FIG. 6 shows an example electronic analog watch system 400, where theelectronic watch band 12 may be coupled to an analog watch 414, whichmay not have an integrated display screen or integrated smartwatchfeatures. The electronic analog watch system 400 may allow a user towear a stylish and/or high-value analog watch, while the electronicwatch band 12 may enable smartwatch features. The electronic watch band12 may provide the analog watch 414 with activity-specific features,such as medical features, sports features, payment features, and thelike. The electronic watch band 12 may be able to wirelessly communicatewith a smartphone. In such an electronic analog watch system 400, thesmartphone can serve as the display and interface for a user tocommunicate with the electronic watch band 12 to monitor and/or controlthe activity-specific features of the watch band.

FIG. 7 shows an example laptop system 500, in which the above-describedrotatable electrical ring-contact coupling may be implemented in anelectronic hinge 510 that rotatably couples a computer keyboard 520 witha display screen 530. Such a laptop system 500 can permit electronicsignals to pass through the rotating electronic hinge 510 whilepermitting the computer keyboard 520 to be selectively attached anddetached from the display screen 530.

For example, the laptop system 500 may have one or more electronichinges 510 that each include a corresponding one of the connectors 44(FIG. 1D) attached to the computer keyboard 520 and a corresponding oneof the connectors 24 (FIG. 1B) attached to the display screen 530. Thelaptop system 500 may include a toggle configured to extend or retractone or more elements such as the pin 60 shown in FIG. 3C or portionsthereof that may provide the coupling between pairs of the connectors 44and 24. When such pins 60 or portions thereof are retracted, thecomputer keyboard 520 and the display screen 530 may be separated fromone another, and when such pins or portions thereof are extended, thecomputer keyboard and the display screen may be rejoined to one another.

Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are notmutually exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations toachieve unique advantages. As these and other variations andcombinations of the features discussed above can be utilized withoutdeparting from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoingdescription of the embodiments should be taken by way of illustrationrather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by theclaims. In addition, the provision of the examples described herein, aswell as clauses phrased as “such as,” “including” and the like, shouldnot be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to thespecific examples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate onlyone of many possible embodiments. Further, the same reference numbers indifferent drawings can identify the same or similar elements.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. An electronic hinge system, comprising: a firstcomponent including: a first enclosure housing electrically conductiveelements; and a first connector disposed at an end of the firstenclosure; and a second component including a second enclosure and asecond connector disposed at an end of the second enclosure, wherein thefirst connector is configured to mate with the second connector, suchthat when the first component is engaged with the second component, thefirst connector is rotationally coupled with the second connector. 22.The electronic hinge system of claim 21, wherein the second enclosurehouses a plurality of second electrically conductive elements, andwherein the first connector and second connector, when mated, form anelectrical connection between the electrically conductive elements inthe first enclosure and the second electrically conductive elements inthe second enclosure.
 23. The electronic hinge system of claim 22,wherein the first component is an electronic watch band and the secondcomponent is an electronic watch.
 24. The electronic hinge system ofclaim 21, wherein the first connector comprises: a longitudinal openingextending in a first direction through the first connector; and aplurality of first openings extending into the first connector in asecond direction transverse to the first direction and spaced apart fromone another in the first direction.
 25. The electronic hinge system ofclaim 24, wherein the second connector includes two recesses eachextending into the second connector, the two recesses spaced apart fromone another in the first direction, the electronic hinge system furthercomprising a pin extending in the first direction through thelongitudinal opening and into each of the recesses, the pin rotationallycoupling the first component with the second component.
 26. Theelectronic hinge system of claim 24, wherein the first connector furthercomprises a plurality of curved elements disposed in the firstconnector, the curved elements being electrically conductive and spacedapart from one another in the first direction, each curved element beingelectrically connected with at least a respective one of theelectrically conductive elements of the first component.
 27. Theelectronic hinge system of claim 24, wherein the second connectorcomprises a plurality of second openings extending into the secondconnector in a third direction transverse to the first direction andspaced apart from one another in the first direction, and the secondconnector has a plurality of contacts disposed therein, the contactsbeing electrically conductive and spaced apart from one another in thefirst direction, a portion of at least some of the contacts each exposedat a respective one of the plurality of second openings, each contactbeing electrically connected with at least a respective one of thesecond electrically conductive elements of the second component, andwherein the plurality of curved elements is configured to mate with theplurality of contacts, such that when the first component is engagedwith the second component, the plurality of curved elements areelectrically connected with the plurality of contacts.
 28. Theelectronic hinge system of claim 21, wherein the first connector and thesecond connector have interlocking features that are configured to matewith one another when the first component is engaged with the secondcomponent, the interlocking features being configured to preventrotation of the first connector and the second connector relative to oneanother.
 29. The electronic hinge system of claim 21, further comprisinga gasket configured to provide a water-tight seal around an interfacebetween the first component and the second component.
 30. An electronicwatch system, comprising: a watch housing having circuitry within thewatch housing, the circuitry including a plurality of electricallyconductive elements; and a watch connector disposed adjacent a surfaceof the watch housing, the watch connector comprising a plurality ofpins, the pins being electrically conductive and spaced apart from oneanother, each pin having an exposed end configured to engage, in arotational electrically conductive connection, with a receptable of awatch band connector having a plurality of contacts, each pin beingelectrically connected with at least a respective one of theelectrically conductive elements, wherein the plurality of pins isconfigured to mate with the plurality of contacts of the receptacle,such that when the electronic watch is engaged with the receptacle, thefree ends of the pins are engaged with and electrically connected withthe contacts.
 31. The electronic watch system of claim 30, wherein eachof the pins has an azimuthally-elongated shape and protrudes from abottom surface of the watch housing.
 32. The electronic watch system ofclaim 30, wherein the pins are unevenly spaced apart from one another.33. The electronic watch system of claim 30, wherein during engagementof the electronic watch with the receptacle there is a single electricalconnection between the pins and contacts at any time before a fullyengaged position is reached.
 34. An electronic watch band, comprising: aflexible enclosure encasing electrically conductive elements; and aconnector disposed at an end of the first enclosure and having aplurality of curved elements disposed in the first connector, the curvedelements being electrically conductive and spaced apart from oneanother, each curved element being electrically connected with at leasta respective one of the electrically conductive elements in the flexibleenclosure.
 35. The electronic watch band of claim 34, further comprisinga receptacle rotationally coupled with the flexible enclosure andcomprising an intermediate connector having a plurality of contactsdisposed therein, the contacts being electrically conductive and spacedapart from one another in a circumferential direction, each contacthaving a first end, the first ends of the contacts engaged with andelectrically connected with the plurality of curved elements.
 36. Theelectronic watch band of claim 35, the receptable further comprising acircular ledge, wherein the intermediate connector is disposed withinthe circular ledge.
 37. The electronic watch band of claim 36, wherein afirst end of each contact is exposed at a bottom surface of the circularledge and a second end of each contact is exposed at a top surface ofthe circular ledge opposite the bottom surface.